
Swift codes are used to identify banks and financial institutions around the world, and Santander UK is no exception.
Santander UK's swift code is SANBGB2L.
Understanding your bank's swift code is essential when sending or receiving international payments.
Santander UK's swift code is used to facilitate these transactions, ensuring they are processed correctly and efficiently.
What is a SWIFT Code?
A SWIFT code is an 8-11 character code that identifies a specific bank branch globally. It's like a unique address for banks.
SWIFT codes are used for international wire transfers, allowing banks to communicate with each other securely. The code is usually written in a specific format, with the first four characters representing the bank's name, the next two characters representing the country code, and the final two or three characters representing the bank's location.
The SWIFT code for Santander UK is typically written as a series of letters and numbers. The code is used by banks to facilitate international transactions, such as wire transfers, and to identify the sender and recipient of the funds.
Consider reading: International Money Transfer Swift Code
Understanding SWIFT Code
A SWIFT Code is a standard format of Bank Identifier Code (BIC) used to specify a particular bank or branch. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers.
Banks use SWIFT codes for exchanging messages between them, ensuring a secure and efficient transfer process. This is especially important for international money transfers, where accuracy is crucial.
SWIFT codes comprise of 8 or 11 characters, formatted as follows:
AAAABBCCDDD
- First 4 characters - bank code (only letters)
- Next 2 characters - ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code (only letters)
- Next 2 characters - location code, passive participant will have "1" in the second character (letters and digits)
- Last 3 characters - branch code, optional - 'XXX' for primary office (letters and digits)
To ensure a secure and efficient transfer process, it's essential to use the correct SWIFT code, especially for international transfers.
Using a SWIFT Code
A SWIFT code is an 8-11 digit code that identifies a specific bank and branch, allowing for secure international transactions.
You can find your SWIFT code on your bank statement, cheque or online banking platform.
To use a SWIFT code, you'll need to enter it into your online banking or payment system, ensuring it's accurate to avoid any issues with your transaction.
See what others are reading: Anz Banking Group Swift Code
Sending Money to UK
You can find your Santander UK SWIFT code on your bank statement, by logging into your online banking account, or by contacting Santander UK directly.
Sending money internationally to a Santander account in the UK can be quite pricey. This is because fixed international bank transfer fees and bad exchange rates can add up quickly.
If you're sending money via the SWIFT network, it can take between one and five business days on average.
Fortunately, there are smarter alternatives to sending money through your bank. Using a digital money transfer provider can save you up to 95% in fees compared to the bank.
Bank transfers via the SWIFT network are not a good option if you want to make a speedy transfer.
Do I Need a SWIFT Code for Transfers?
You need a SWIFT code for international transfers, especially when sending money to or from a Santander bank account in the UK. Using a traditional bank for international transfers can be slow and expensive, so consider alternatives like Wise for fast and secure transfers.
A Santander UK SWIFT code is crucial for routing funds to the correct bank and branch, ensuring a secure and efficient transfer process.
On a similar theme: International Bank Swift Code
Switching Between Branches

If you're planning to move to a different Santander branch, you'll need to know how to switch between branches using your SWIFT code.
Each Santander branch has a unique SWIFT code, so you'll need to find the correct code for your new branch.
You can check the correct SWIFT codes for your Santander branch online, which will ensure your payments are sent to the right place.
If you're unsure or can't find the branch code, you can use the 8 character head office SWIFT code as a last resort.
Using the head office SWIFT code might not be the most convenient option, but it will still get your payment to your account.
You can use your head office SWIFT code as a temporary solution until you get the correct branch code.
It's always a good idea to double-check your SWIFT code to avoid any delays or issues with your payments.
Additional reading: How to Find Sbi Swift Code Using Ifsc Code
SWIFT Code Lookup and Validation
If you're looking for your Santander UK SWIFT code, you can find it on your bank statement, by logging into your online banking account, or by contacting Santander UK directly.
To validate a SWIFT code, check that it's valid before a money transfer.
You can find your Santander UK SWIFT code on your bank statement, by logging into your online banking account, or by contacting Santander UK directly. Additionally, it's often listed on the official Santander UK website under banking information or help sections.
The Santander UK SWIFT code is ABBYGB2LXXX, which can be broken down into Bank Code (ABBY), Country Code (GB), Location Code (2L), and Branch Code (XXX).
Here's a breakdown of the Santander UK SWIFT code:
FAQs About BIC
A SWIFT/BIC code is an alphanumeric code to identify specific banks around the world, and it's often used for international wire transfers and currency exchanges.
You can find your bank's SWIFT code by simply Googling it, as this information is usually readily available online.
Most banks have the same SWIFT/BIC code across all branches, but it's always a good idea to double-check in advance of a money transfer.
Check this out: Hdfc Bank Swift Bic Code
The last three digits of a SWIFT/BIC code represent a specific bank branch, but when these digits are XXX, it represents the bank's head office.
Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know about SWIFT/BIC codes:
- Do all bank branches have the same SWIFT/BIC code? No, not always. Some banks have different codes by branch.
- What does XXX stand for in a SWIFT/BIC code? It represents the bank's head office.
- Do Santander SWIFT/BIC codes differ by branch? Yes, they do, and it's recommended to double-check to ensure your transfer goes to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Santander bank SWIFT code?
The Santander bank SWIFT code is SVRNUS33, used for international wire transfers. This code is required for sending and receiving international funds.
What is the SWIFT code abbygb2lanb?
The SWIFT code "ABBYGB2LANB" is associated with Santander UK PLC in the United Kingdom. This code is used for international wire transfers and payments.
Sources
- https://wise.com/us/swift-codes/countries/united-kingdom/santander-swift-code
- https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/santander-uk-swift-code
- https://www.theswiftcodes.com/united-kingdom/bank/santander/
- https://trackmyswift.com/swift-codes/ABBYGB3ERTN
- https://qonto.com/en/swift-codes/countries/united-kingdom/london/santander-uk
Featured Images: pexels.com